Arietta On the White Keys Reviews

2019

The 2019 On The White Keys is bright, focused and full of energy. Lees stirring brings out textural richness, but the 2019 remains a wine built on energy more than anything else. Hints of tropical fruit, tangerine oil and apricot add layers of complexity. The 2019 has a bit more Sémillon than in the past, and that comes through nicely. – Antonio Galloni (January 2021) 93 points

A blend of 74% Sauvignon Blanc and 26% Sémillon, this superb white is robust and complex, with a sophisticated structure and lively underlying acidity. Hints of nutmeg, honey and flint meet a serious palate of tension and length. – Virginie Boone (January 2021) 95 points

2018

The 2018 On The White Keys is bright, precise, and wonderfully nuanced. Orange peel, mint, apricot, and light tropical notes all develop in the glass in this nuanced Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend. 2018 stands out for its tension – this is a wine built on precision and total class; it is one of the better vintages I can remember tasting.”-  Antonio Galloni (September 2019) 93 Points

2017

This is a beautiful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musque and Sémillon made by winemaker Andy Erickson. Inspired by Bordeaux, it shows high-toned aromas of Meyer lemon and lemongrass with a flinty undertone and juicy acidity. Layered, complex and textured, it is floral, earthy and balanced, a gorgeous expression of the grapes. – The Wine Enthusiast, Virginie Boone (December 2019) 95 points, Editor’s Choice

2016

Arietta’s 2016 On The White Keys is gorgeous. Rich and pliant on the palate, with terrific overall depth, the 2016 is super-expressive today. Candied lemon, white flowers, crushed rocks and a hint of reduction shape this very pretty, nuanced Sauvignon Blanc-based white. A dollop of Sémillon rounds out the blend. In this vintage, the Sauvignon Blanc character is quite evident. – Antonio Galloni (January 2018) 94 points

2015

The 2015 On The White Keys is fresh, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. It is also remarkably delicate and light on its feet for a vintage that generally produced richer, more unctuous wines. Expressive in its aromatics and brisk in feel, the 2015 offers exceptional balance and class. This is a terrific showing. The 35% new oak is very nicely balanced. In 2015, the Sauvignon Blanc is especially pronounced, while there is only 10% Semillon in the blend. – Antonio Galloni (May 2017) 93 points

2014

A captivating interplay of rich, tropically leaning flavors meet Sonoma Mountain intensity in this pedigreed white. Candied lemon peel, mint, apricot jam, spices and almonds are all super-expressive in the glass. Unctuous, oily and generous the 2014 is absolutely gorgeous today. – Antonio Galloni (December 2015) 94 points

2013

The 2013 On The White Keys, Arietta’s Sauvignon/Semillon blend, is fabulous. Peach, mint, slate, honey and jasmine meld together in the glass. The 2013 is rich, ample and voluptuous, with bright minerality that comes alive on the finish. Ideally the 2013 needs to be opened a few hours in advance to allow the bouquet to become fully expressive. – Antonio Galloni (December 2014) 93 points

2012

Bright, green tinged yellow. Lovely perfume combines pungent lime skin, stone fruits, lemon drop and essential oils. Dense, sappy and opulent yet somehow weightless, conveying a powerful impression of energy to the flavors of nectarine, lime oil and honey. The Semillon contributes roundness. Finishes sexy and long, in need of a year or so in bottle to develop more complexity. Always a splendid blend. – Stephen Tanzer (May 2014) 93 points

2011

The 2011 On the White Keys, Sauvignon/Semillon blend, floats from the glass with hints of lemongrass, nectarine, sage and mint. This Graves-inspired white is especially beautiful in 2011, a long, cold growing season that allowed the fruit to ripen fully while maintaining lively acidity. The 2011 is mostly Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain, with about 20% Semillon that in this vintage had some botrytis. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.  – Antonio Galloni (December 2012) 93 points

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